videorecording
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Amazon's new Fire TV supports picture-in-picture and recording
Amazon is mainly selling the new Fire TV's hardware-dependent features, such as 4K HDR video and Dolby Atmos sound, but there are some key software improvements, too. The online shopping giant has revealed that the device's Fire OS 6 underpinnings run on Android Nougat, enabling app features specific to Google's not-quite-latest platform. You can play picture-in-picture video within apps, so you don't have to disrupt your show while you check settings. There's a framework for time-shifting to pause and rewind live video. And apps can record content, including scheduling that can grab content automatically. This doesn't mean that you'll be ripping video from your favorite streaming service, but it does make it relatively easy for Fire TV apps to include DVR-like functions or capture epic game sessions. Just don't expect these features to reach your older hardware.
UK schools trial police-style body cameras for teachers
To combat disorderly students, two secondary schools in the UK have started trialling staff-worn body cameras. Teachers will use the equipment to record specific incidents, such as a "perceived threat to a member of staff or pupil," according to Tom Ellis, a lecturer at the University of Portsmouth and a former Home Office researcher. The identity of the schools is, for now, a mystery, to avoid unwanted interference during the trial. The cameras won't be recording at all times either -- similar to the police, it will be up to teachers to decide when to hit the record button. "It's not like a surveillance camera," Ellis stressed.
Twitter adds landscape video recording to its mobile apps
Some of us don't want to share portrait and square cropped videos all the time. Crazy, huh? The mobile-centric video formats have been championed by Vine, Instagram and a whole host of live-streaming apps, so it was hardly a surprise to see Twitter follow suit when it launched in-app video recording earlier this year. Landscape videos still have their place though, so the company is now relenting and offering the aspect ratio inside its apps. So when you're scrolling through your feed and inspiration strikes, you can hit the camera button, flip your phone sideways and record a regular video for your followers. We're not sure why the option wasn't available from the start, but hey, at least it's here now.
Microsoft's super-stable video recording arrives on PCs and phones
Microsoft's Hyperlapse is now more than just a clever idea in a research lab -- the folks in Redmond have released apps that help you record and produce super-stabilized videos on Android (in preview form), Windows and Windows Phone. Much like Instagram's software, the algorithmic tools whittle down your shaky footage into high-speed, smooth clips that your friends are more likely to watch. The big differences are in the amount of control you get. You can zip beyond Instagram's 6x speed limit, for example, and the desktop app (Hyperlapse Pro) uses 3D modelling to steady the footage from GoPros and other common action cameras.
MixBit's remix-friendly video recording app reaches Android
There was a degree of irony to YouTube's founders launching their MixBit video recording app on iOS first, but that has just been rectified: the client is now available for Android. As with the iOS release, Android movie makers can record clips up to 16 seconds in length, stitch them together in larger videos (up to an hour long) and remix others' projects. If neither Vine nor Instagram satisfy your short-form cinematic impulses, you can grab the Android version of MixBit on Google Play.
Insert Coin: Stabil-i case reduces iPhone camera shake, fits in your pocket (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Ah, stability, a commodity valued by videographers who want to produce footage that won't make their viewers throw up. Reducing camera shake can be especially tricky when using a smartphone such as the iPhone, whose form factor and light weight make it easier to have the shakes while shooting. Currently, options for reducing camera vibration in iPhone videos include apps like the Dolly Cam and more hardware-oriented solutions such as the Steadicam Smoothee. Our latest Insert Coin candidate, the Stabil-i, happens to use the latter route, serving up a "video stabilization iPhone case" that's still reasonably affordable. According to its creators, the Stabil-i's design is based on concepts found in larger, more expensive camera stabilization systems used in the film industry -- minus 90 percent of the hardware and the expensive bearing system. The result, they say, is a device that does a good job in reducing camera shake while still being compact enough to fit in one's pockets.
Pivothead review: video recording eyewear for (reasonably) discreet POV clips
We won't mince words -- the Pivothead Durango have a decidedly "sporty" style that probably won't win it too many fans. But, if you're in the market for some POV video action, chances are style isn't particularly high on your list of must-have features. They have the appearance of low-key, but bulky Oakley knockoffs. But again, if you're hurtling yourself down a hill on a snowboard, how cool your specs look is probably secondary to recording high-quality video and absorbing a beating. So, we promise, this is the last you'll hear about how unsightly these things are. (And they are just that -- ugly.) Once you head past the break we'll have video samples, photo samples and field tests, but nary a word about how embarrassing it is to walk around in public with these on. Promise. So, join us below as we put Pivothead's video sunglasses through their paces.
New OmniVision 16-megapixel camera sensors could record 4K, 60 fps video on your smartphone
Nokia has reportedly been dreaming of PureView phones with 4K video; as of today, OmniVision is walking the walk quite a bit earlier. The 16-megapixel resolution of the OV16820 and OV16825 is something we've seen before, but it now has a massive amount of headroom for video. If your smartphone or camcorder has the processing grunt to handle it, either of the sensors can record 4K (3840 x 2160, to be exact) video at a super-smooth 60 fps, or at the camera's full 4608 x 3456 if you're willing to putt along at 30 fps. The pair of backside-illuminated CMOS sensors can burst-shoot still photos at the bigger size, too, and can handle up to 12-bit RAW. Impressive stuff, but if you were hoping for OmniVision to name devices, you'll be disappointed: it's typically quiet about the customer list, and mass production isn't due for either version until the fall. On the upside, it could be next year that we're feeding our 4K projectors with Mr. Blurrycam smartphone videos.
Pivothead video glasses offer impressive quality, we go hands-on (sample video)
There's a new adventure video capture company in town, and both Zeyez and GoPro would have good reason to be afraid. You may not have heard of Pivothead -- the company has had a remarkably quiet push to market over the last few months -- but the video recording eyewear startup could very well become a household name after its first products hit the market this April for $349. Aurora, Durango, Moab and Recon may offer distinct exterior designs, but they're virtually identical under the hood. Each model includes an eight-megapixel Sony sensor (that reportedly captures higher quality images than the iPhone 4S cam), a four-element glass lens, 8GB of built-in storage, a 440mAh battery (with about an hour of shooting time) and three video modes: 1080/30p, 720/60p and 720/30p. We had a chance to go hands-on with Pivothead earlier today, and took the glasses for a spin on the streets of New York City. You'll find that sample video, along with our impressions, just past the break.
ZionEyez becomes Zeyez, wants you to know it's still watching
When ZionEyez launched its Kickstarter campaign this summer, the company promised a "Winter 2011" ship timeframe for its Eyez video recording glasses. And when that deadline came and went, many backers were understandably frustrated, requesting refunds and even emailing us for a status update after attempts to contact the design team were unsuccessful. We've been in touch with the company on a consistent basis since we first covered its Eyez project, and we even had an opportunity to test out a prototype in December. Now, ZionEyez (now simply "Zeyez") executives have provided several explanations for the unexpected delays, including an enormous number of project backers, broader market appeal and a desire to partner with a top-tier manufacturer in order to produce a higher-quality product. Jump past the break for the unabridged appeal.
Fisher Price Kid Tough Portable DVR hands-on (video)
We're here at Pepcom Digital Experience where Fisher Price has just unveiled a slick piece of tech for the toddler and up set: the Kid Tough Portable DVR. Indeed, the unit looks and feel as though it were built to take a beating -- because it is. The high tech toy, available in either blue or pink, allows children and parents to record up to two hours worth of video. And if you find you're running out of space for that rerun of Yo Gabba Gabba!, there's a convenient microSD slot for increased storage of up to 32GB. The unit ships with a plain black dock that connects to a cable or satellite set-top box via composite cables. And, as with all things 21st century, the DVR has a 3.5-inch LCD touch interface for simple navigation and control, in addition to built-in stereo speakers, and a headphone jack for on-the-go use. The company's prepping this kid-friendly DVR for a May 2012 release, with the unit expected to retail for $150. We managed to grab a bit of hands-on time with the device, so hop on past the break for a video tour.
Swivl intros companion iPhone app, we make sweet video with it
Sure, when we first encountered the device formerly known as Satarii Star it may have been a pipe dream in dire need of funding (and frankly a better name), but after playing with the company's latest Swivl prototype we can confirm it's very much real and honestly, pretty darn cool. For those unaware, the $159 "dock" of sorts, rotates whatever you stuff into it a full 360-degrees all while chasing a portable marker. New today, is an accompanying iPhone app that can remotely trigger recording from the marker all while including other niceties like the ability to lock focus during capture. So how did we get along with our limited time with the startup's latest prototype? Hop on past the break to find out. %Gallery-142160%%Gallery-142167%
Eyez 720p video streaming / recording glasses hands-on (video)
Sure, you may already lead an exciting life, but wouldn't it be great if you could broadcast those daily escapades -- you know, to all of your internet friends? ZionEyez hopes to deliver a method for sharing your point of view -- quite literally -- in realtime, across the web. The company's first product, a set of 720p embedded-camera eyeglasses called Eyez, houses a tiny camera to the left of the standard-size eyeglass lens, with a processor, Bluetooth and WiFi module embedded in the adjacent ear piece. We first read about the inconspicuous specs when the company launched a Kickstarter page, netting nearly $350,000 in pledges from curious backers, but just had an opportunity to spend a few hours with the device, recording the journey to a meeting in New York City. Jump past the break for a closer look, and our sample footage.%Gallery-141272%
Sony offers 'adjustment' for NEX-5N camera to reduce clicking sound while recording video
Looks like we weren't the only one afflicted by the Sony NEX-5N camera's annoying click problem. In case you missed it, the camera displayed the disruptive tendency of producing an audible click loud enough to ruin any 1080/60p video if it was moved suddenly while shooting. Tonight Sony updated its support site to promise a "performance improvement" available to all owners under the camera's warranty that it claims reduces the sound. At the moment we don't have any more information on what's causing the sound or what the improvement entails, but owners can dial 888-868-7392 to get their units upgraded.
Xperia Play finally gets HD video capture, catches up with smartphone siblings
The Xperia Play's incoming Android 2.3.4 update appears to add an extra nugget of functional goodness in the form of high-definition video-recording. What, the Xperia Play didn't do so already? Nope, Sony Ericsson neglected to add that functionality to the phone's five megapixel shooter from the start. Fortunately, the new software update rectifies this, so when you're not blasting those PlayStation hits of yesteryear, you'll be able to chronicle your pet's adventures in crystal clear 720p. Courtesy of XDA Developers, see proof of the Play's new HD recording abilities after the break.
DollyCam app lets you stabilize iPhone 4 videos, we go hands-on (video)
Apple's iPhone 4 can serve as a great little camcorder when you're in a bind, but it's never been our go-to cam for video shoots. Not only is its small sensor not best suited for high-quality HD shooting, but the smartphone form factor can be awkward to hold, resulting in shakier than normal footage. A new app called DollyCam, which also supports iPad 2, helps soften the blow of the latter, letting you successfully stabilize videos -- with a few drawbacks. We took our iPhone 4 out to test a watermarked free version of the app in New York City, shooting a scene first with the phone's native app, and then with DollyCam. It won't replace a hardware solution like the Steadicam Smoothee, but it's significantly cheaper and more convenient. The only major issues we noticed were related to softened sound capture of all things (pay close attention in the video past the break), and the fact that the app can't process in real-time, so a minute-long video clip will need about five minutes to process. The app does crop your footage slightly, as can be expected. You'll also need to remain in the app as it's processing, though you can also stabilize videos later, after completing your shoot. Overall, it's an acceptable solution, especially considering the $2.99 price tag. Jump past the break to see original and stabilized clips, and browse through the gallery below for a quick look at the interface.%Gallery-130039% [Thanks, Jon]
Create quality iPad 2 product demos with Apple TV and EyeTV
After much effort, we've found a solid TUAW solution for screencasting the iPad 2 to desktop computers. Steve Sande and I have been documenting our attempts at this challenge for several months now. Back in March, Steve got basic 480p mirroring working. I then improved that to 720p/720i, although my solutions did have a slight aspect ratio problem. I also wrote about adding audio narration and pointer effects. Now, by modifying my setup and adding in technology introduced in Steve Jobs' keynote this past Monday, I've built a really reliable system with great responsiveness, minimal wires, and good video details. It's built, as you've already guessed, around AirPlay Mirroring, so it is limited to the iPad 2. And, because it uses AirPlay's announced but not-yet-shipping features, I can't offer screenshots or talk about how to set it up on the iPad side. That's okay, because from the iPad side it's just a matter of setting the AirPlay options as required. The hardware is the interesting bit, and none of that is specific to iOS 5. I'm going to describe how I set up things on my computer, with equipment you can purchase and test today, even if you're not in the developer program. What I'm going to describe is not capturing video from the iPad, it's capturing video from your Apple TV. When iOS 5 is released, you'll be able to use the wireless screencasting from Monday's keynote to send your iPad video to Apple TV. Right now, unless you are in the beta program and have an iPad 2, you will only be able to record your Apple TV screen with whatever content is on it today. Like my previous efforts, this solution is built around the Elgato EyeTV HD (street price around $170). The EyeTV HD accepts component (RGB/RW) input and can ably display and record 720p HD video. I was met with complete failure when I first tried converting the iPad 2's HDMI cable output to composite video. I had bought an HDMI-to-Component converter box from Amazon. For that failed effort, I was personally out about $55 dollars plus a bit of time. The box didn't work with Apple's multimedia cable and the iPad 2, and I never ended up posting about the solution -- there was nothing more to say than "it didn't work." Fortunately, the converter was still on-hand this week. I had tossed it into a box of outdated and failed equipment. When I realized I might be able to use the Apple TV's HDMI output for product demos, I connected the converter up to the EyeTV HD and ran the Apple TV HDMI cable to it. Success! So what do you get for your approximately-$325 solution (EyeTV, component converter and Apple TV)? You get very good quality capture, as shown in the screen shot at the top of this post. Don't expect pixel-perfect accuracy. EyeTV will compress your video and you will experience some blurriness. What's more, wireless video almost always involves some bandwidth compromises, so don't expect perfection there either for when you do get access to iOS 5. Instead, expect a really workable answer to your iPad 2 demonstration-recording needs. This setup works well for both product videos and screencasting. As a bonus, the iPad 2 isn't tethered to an awkward cable adapter, and your various boxes can stack neatly next to your computer (or TV, as the case may be).
Insert Coin: Eyez 720p video-recording glasses (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. We first heard about the Eyez video recording glasses concept back in March, when those familiar black frames packed a 1080p camera, 16GB of flash memory, WiFi, and dual exawatt-class lasers (ok, we made that last part up). Named for the product's "utopic vision," ZionEyez now has a prototype with a more grounded spec list, including a 720p camera and 8GB of memory, along with micro-USB and Bluetooth connectivity for livecasting to Qik or LiveStream -- The Truman Show style. Afraid you won't be able to pull off those high-tint lenses at night or in that top-secret (indoor) business meeting? You can swap out the removable sunglass lenses for clear versions, or throw in your prescription in daylight (tinted) or indoor flavors, since many optical stores stock appropriately sized lenses. Availability for these $199 HD Ray-Ban clones is currently slated for fall (assuming ZionEyez hits its funding target), but you can pre-order your pair for $150 on Zion's Kickstarter page.
Eyez video recording glasses promise to 'revolutionize' social networking
Could this pair of relatively normal looking glasses "revolutionize" video on social networking sites? That's the bold claim made by the folks behind these so-called "Eyez," at least, which unsurprisingly seem to be filled more with vapor than any actual hardware at the moment. If the company is to be believed, however, they'll eventually pack a built-in camera that's able to record 1080p video, 16GB of flash memory, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a 350 mAh lithium ion battery that promises three hours of recording on a charge. You'll even apparently be able to pair the glasses with your phone via Bluetooth, and automatically upload or even stream live video to various social networking sites via an app. Of course, there's not even so much as a hint of a release date or a price, nor is there any evidence that an actual prototype even exists. There is, however, dramatic music on a Flash-heavy website -- and that counts for something, right?
Motorola will enable Atrix 4G's 1080p video recording in post-launch software update
The software on Motorola's upcoming Atrix 4G has already been subject to some stern (and premature) scrutiny, but here's some rather more concrete information about it, courtesy of the company's own spec page for the device. As it turns out, Moto intends to launch the Atrix with some of its hardware capabilities clipped -- specifically its Tegra 2-derived power to encode 1080p content -- but will deliver them to users in an update (hopefully soon) thereafter. LG's Optimus 2X, which is built around the same dual-core chip from NVIDIA, has been spending its time before launch showing off exactly what those 1080p encoding skills can deliver -- both with video recording and through its HDMI connection -- so it'll be a downer for Moto fans to learn that their hallowed new superphone won't be able to match up at launch. Then again, when we think about how often phone makers fail to tap the full potential of their hardware, maybe we should just be happy that 1080p abilities are coming to the Atrix at all, eh? [Thanks, Mr. techcrunch]
